Britney Spears to go head to head with Whitney Houston in album charts

Britney Spears is set to go head to head with Whitney Houston in the Christmas album charts after impressing label bosses with demos from recent studio work.

Spears' last album, Blackout, received a lukewarm response; and bosses at her record company feared the troubled singer had blown it.

But now, the 26-year-old is being lined-up to "thrash" pop's ultimate fallen diva with a new album which is reportedly due for release later this year.

A source said: "Britney has been on fire in the studio of late.

"During recording sessions for the last album she was consumed by her chaotic private life.

"But she is determined to make a triumphant comeback. Top brass have been amazed by the quality of tracks they’ve heard.

"Whitney is set for another relaunch at the same time later in the year. They’re determined Brit will come out on top."

Houston -- whose last album of original material was released in 2002 -- appears to have conquered her drugs demons; and has lined up some top talent to help her on her comeback quest.

Black Eyed Peas star Will-i-am, R. Kelly, and John Legend have all written tracks for Whitney, and her next single will be a collaboration with Akon.